Gang Allegedly Lured 17-Year-Old to Isolated Spot, Killed Him and Tried to Sell His Testicles
A 17-year-old boy identified only as Rehan was allegedly murdered by a gang in India after its members were influenced by a false social media claim that human testicles could fetch millions of rupees on the black market.
Police said the teenager was lured to a secluded location on August 6 under the pretence that he would help settle a fight. Investigators allege that he was subsequently stabbed to death and that his testicles were removed in an attempt to sell them to a buyer.
The shocking case came to light after police recovered Rehan’s body from the Lower Lake area near Dhobi Ghat in Bhopal on August 10, five days after his mother reported him missing.
According to investigators, the gang believed the organs could be sold for about 12 million Indian rupees — roughly £92,000 or about $120,000 — after members came across a social media video making the false claim about their supposed black-market value.
Police have arrested 20-year-old business student Zoheb Khan, described as the alleged prime suspect, and 18-year-old Aamir Qureshi, who investigators say was an accomplice. Three minors have also reportedly been detained in connection with the killing.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ayush Gupta said investigators believe four of the accused physically participated in the killing, while Khan allegedly directed the operation through a video call.
Police allege that Khan recruited members of the group and convinced them that there was a lucrative market for human testicles in Gulf countries. Investigators further claim that he falsely presented himself as a doctor and attempted to convince the others that he possessed the medical knowledge required to remove the organs.
According to the police investigation, Khan allegedly purchased a white apron, stethoscope and thermometer online and used the items while training members of the group.
Rehan, who reportedly worked as a street vendor, was allegedly approached at his stall by two youths on August 6. The youths reportedly offered him 100 Indian rupees — less than £1 — to accompany them and assist with an alleged fight.
Police believe the invitation was a ruse designed to take the teenager away from the public area and into a secluded location.
Investigators allege that after Rehan was killed, the gang kept the removed organs packed in ice while attempting to locate someone willing to purchase them.
However, the alleged plan reportedly failed when the group could not find a buyer. Police claim Khan subsequently instructed the others to dispose of the organs in separate lakes.
The discovery of Rehan’s body followed days of uncertainty for his family. Police said the teenager was identified through a tattoo on his body after it was recovered from the Lower Lake.
His mother had earlier reported him missing, prompting a search that eventually led investigators to the lake.
The investigation has raised serious concerns about the potentially deadly consequences of misinformation circulating on social media. Police believe the alleged perpetrators acted on a completely false belief regarding the financial value of human organs.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, including the alleged roles played by the arrested suspects and detained minors.
The case also underscores the danger of criminal groups acting on sensational claims circulating online without verifying their authenticity. What the suspects allegedly believed to be a lucrative black-market opportunity ended in the death of a teenager and a criminal investigation involving multiple suspects.
Police are expected to establish the full chain of events leading to Rehan’s death, determine how the suspects became involved and identify whether anyone else was connected to the alleged plot.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial process, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court.
